Olympic gold medallist Eric Murray retires from rowing

  • Updated
  • 30/04/2017

Two-time Olympic rowing gold medallist Eric Murray has announced his retirement.

The 34-year-old hasn't competed since winning a second gold medal with long-time teammate Hamish Bond in Rio last year.

New Zealand Rowing CEO Simon Peterson told RadioLIVE it was a family-based decision.

"It's a family-based decision but it's an exclusive deal with Woman's Day magazine, so it will all be revealed over the coming days," says Peterson.

As well as his Olympic success, Murray's also an eight-time world champion across the men's four and pair, and he's calling it quits after 69 unbeaten races.

Peterson believes his legacy will last for generations to come.

"It's a record that in 20 years' time will still have the same respect as it does today.

"The name Bond and Murray and the record that goes with it will surpass generations ahead."

With Hamish Bond focussing on cycling in 2017, it is not known if he will return to the sport next year.

"Hamish made a clear decision that 2017 was a cycling year to see how far he could take that.

"He will make his own decision in his own time."

Newshub.